Sr Program Liaison Coordinator

BAI, a defense contractor, is seeking a bilingual (Japanese–English) coordinator with 5+ years of experience supporting stakeholders and customers at Point Mugu, CA. This role requires proven success in building rapport with Japanese defense stakeholders, navigating complex business, cultural, and diplomatic environments, and supporting effective U.S.-Japan program execution. Opportunities for career advancement, excellent benefits and long-term stability are some of the advantages of our growing, employee-focused company. 

Bilateral Coordination and Representation:

• Participate in U.S.–Japan coordination meetings, routine customer calls, courtesy visits, and planning/operational touchpoints (in-person and virtual) to convey context, confirm decisions, capture issues, and broker resolution with Government leads
• Serve as liaison facilitating close, effective communication and coordination between PMSR stakeholders and ATLA/JGSDF counterparts
• Lead interpretation for complex bilateral coordination meetings, leveraging extensive knowledge of Japanese and American business cultures to ensure clear communication and mutual understanding

Stakeholder Engagement and Issue Resolution:

• Maintain proactive dialogue with Japanese counterparts to surface and resolve underlying issues and concerns
• Identify and communicate potential future planning risks and issues, offering strategic recommendations for resolution
• Promote awareness of cultural/business context and recommend courses of action to protect schedule, scope, and test objectives
• Track and report on program action items for stakeholders

Cultural/Business Advisory:

• Provide cultural and business insights to stakeholders to enhance mutual understanding and ensure alignment with Japan's expectations
• Deep understanding of Japanese government and business protocols with expertise in cross-cultural coordination
• Advise US Government representatives to improve negotiation and collaboration posture, meeting effectiveness, and written/oral communications

Event/Operations Coordination Support:

• When customer teams are on site or during event days, act as coordination focal point to align expectations, clarify requirements, and ensure effective communication across all stakeholders
• Coordinate logistics including shuttle flights and lodging requests for visiting personnel
• Support exercise preparations and mission support operations
• May assist interpreters as needed but is not the primary interpreter

Technical and Program Support:

• Provide bilingual (Japanese–English) coordination support for technical and operational communications
• Translate technical and program documentation from Japanese to English for test managers and subject experts
• Provide concise bilingual (JP/EN) brief-backs of program progress and decisions for situational awareness

Documentation and Reporting:

• Produce one-page Records of Decision (RODs) for Coordinator-led sessions (what was decided, who owns what, and by when)
• Maintain accurate records of coordination activities and action items

Additional Requirements

• Completion of required compliance training (HIPAA, Privacy Security Awareness) as applicable
• Ability to maintain professional standards in handling sensitive and classified information
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in cross-cultural communication settings

Travel:

• Travel may be required to CONUS/OCONUS locations in support of meetings and operational events

Required:

• 5+ years bilateral coordination experience in defense or government contracting environments
• Fluent in written and spoken English and Japanese with professional proficiency in both languages (speaking/reading/writing)
• Demonstrated success advising senior stakeholders in cross-cultural programs
• Proven ability in building rapport with Japanese defense stakeholders and navigating complex business, cultural, and diplomatic environments
• Experience providing liaison support for technical content and cultural matters related to sustaining positive service relations
• Ability to work independently; self-starter with strong initiative
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office suite (Japanese and English) programs such as MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and SharePoint

Desired Experience

• DoD/FMS experience; familiarity with T&E (Test & Evaluation) environments and operations
• Experience with Japanese defense programs, particularly ATLA (Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency) and JGSDF (Japan Ground Self-Defense Force)
• Background supporting missile systems programs or similar technical defense programs
• Experience with Type 88 Surface-to-Ship Missile, Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile, or similar systems
• Previous experience supporting operations at naval ranges or test facilities
• Experience coordinating exercises on military installations
• Background in interpretation and translation for Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, or similar government agencies demonstrating attention to detail and confidentiality

EDUCATION

Degree: BA or BS in Business, International Relations, Communication, Political Science, or a relevant discipline

Preferred: Master's degree in International Relations, Asian Studies, Leadership, or related field

Allowable Substitution: An additional 6 years of relevant work experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree, or 4 additional years of work experience with a relevant associate degree.

CLEARANCE

Condition of Employment:  Applicant must have or be able to receive and maintain an active DoD SECRET Clearance. The applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

CITIZENSHIP

The applicant must have US citizenship at the time of application.

BAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other non-merit based factors made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.